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Thursday, February 3, 2011

A dare to Super Bowl manly men: Lavender Ricotta Cheese

I know the Super Bowl is coming up and only a man 200% secure in his masculinity (ready for this stereotype to be disproved!) would even consider serving lavender ricotta cheese at a testosterone overflowing sausage fest Super Bowl party, but I am ready to be surprised. Also, I know the above doesn't look like full on lavender ricotta cheese, but I couldn't wait for another round of a food blogger photo shoot to post for this recipe, because, well, I'm itching to get this out before you make the mistake of buying low grade dip and Doritos for the big day. Maybe it's just a dream hearing something to the tune of,

"Throw me a Coors Light man, oh, and can you pass the lavender ricotta cheese?"

Maybe in Portland?

Regardless, lavender cheese is so versatile and so, hot right now (in my world which is spent half the time in front of a computer, at least). I used my go-to dried culinary lavender from Sundance Lavender Farm in this cheese which makes for a simple appetizer or even a way great to fill omelettes, crepes or ravioli (something I would like to do!).

You can make your own cheese or use a high quality store bought ricotta to make this. I piped the cheese onto some herb salad mix with blueberries for an Oregonian style salad for my Brews and Bites pairing I held last week. This cheese was hands down my favorite part of the entire menu.

In a food processor (or by hand), blend all ingredients. Chill, allowing the flavors to blend for at least a day before serving.

I know the Super Bowl is coming up and only a man 200% secure in his masculinity (ready for this stereotype to be disproved!) would even consider serving lavender ricotta cheese at a testosterone overflowing sausage fest Super Bowl party, but I am ready to be surprised. Also, I know the above doesn't look like full on lavender ricotta cheese, but I couldn't wait for another round of a food blogger photo shoot to post for this recipe, because, well, I'm itching to get this out before you make the mistake of buying low grade dip and Doritos for the big day. Maybe it's just a dream hearing something to the tune of,

"Throw me a Coors Light man, oh, and can you pass the lavender ricotta cheese?"

Maybe in Portland?

Regardless, lavender cheese is so versatile and so, hot right now (in my world which is spent half the time in front of a computer, at least). I used my go-to dried culinary lavender from Sundance Lavender Farm in this cheese which makes for a simple appetizer or even a way great to fill omelettes, crepes or ravioli (something I would like to do!).

You can make your own cheese or use a high quality store bought ricotta to make this. I piped the cheese onto some herb salad mix with blueberries for an Oregonian style salad for my Brews and Bites pairing I held last week. This cheese was hands down my favorite part of the entire menu.

I've used lavender in cheesecake squares this past summer and while it was not your intent, I came back to your post a second time because it dawned on me that your lavender ricotta would make a terrific Italian-style cheese cake. I hope you enjoy the game and have a great weekend. Blessings...Mary